Often referred to as the “Little Amazon of Costa Rica”, Tortuguero is a network of canals, small towns, lagoons, and mangroves. Lying on the northeastern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero protects 76,937 hectares of marine and terrestrial area, which is why a vast diversity of flora and fauna call it home. Known for turtle nesting tours, canoe tours, hiking in the national park, kayaking, and night walks in the jungle, Tortuguero National Park is the third most visited national park in Costa Rica and rightly so.
If this Caribbean jungle town is on your Costa Rica itinerary and you are looking for where to stay in Tortuguero, we have the perfect list of accommodation options here. While going through the list, one important factor to keep in mind is that some of the hotels in Tortuguero may not offer amenities like air-conditioners or TV. However, this presents a perfect opportunity to let go of the comforts and to immerse yourself completely in nature.
Browse through our recommendations of the best hotels in Tortuguero, categorized by budget brackets, and take your pick.
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Plan Your Trip to Tortuguero:
- How to get to Tortuguero
- Things to do in Tortuguero + Guide
- Hiking inactive volcano Cerro Tortuguero
- Turtle Nesting Tour in Tortuguero
Hotels in Tortuguero: Factors for Deciding Where to Stay
When deciding where to stay in Tortuguero, it is important to know whether you prefer isolation or proximity to amenities. There are mainly two influencing factors, in the Tortuguero town or outside the town, and both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
In Tortuguero Town
If you like to be in the middle of the town activity, this is where you should be. The boats that come from La Pavona drop you here and you can walk to your hotel from the dock. Numerous restaurants, supermarkets, and stores dot the area. You will be close to the national park entrance.
The downside of staying in the town is that it can get loud during turtle nesting season, when visitors flock to Tortuguero.
Outside Tortuguero Town
If you are someone who enjoys peace and calmness, away from the hustle and bustle of the town, this is where you should be. You get some good hotel options in this area with added amenities like a swimming pool, private beach access, etc. If you are staying in San Francisco de Tortuguero, you will be close to the entrance for the Cerro Tortuguero hike.
The downside of staying outside the Tortuguero town is that you will have to take a boat to visit the Tortuguero town every time and this becomes an added expense. Moreover, you may not find a lot of restaurant options around your hotel, and arranging meals can become a challenge, especially if you are not on a full-board plan with your hotel. There are not many amenities in this area.
Looking for hotel recommendations in other top destinations of Costa Rica? Check out these guides.
- Best Hotels near San Jose Airport SJO
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Best Hotels
- La Fortuna and Arenal Best Hotels
- Santa Teresa Best Hotels
- Monteverde Best Hotels
- Tamarindo Best Hotels
- Samara Best Hotels
- Uvita Best Hotels
- Jaco Best Hotels
- Best Eco-lodges in Costa Rica
Tortuguero Best Hotels Overview
- Best Hotel within the National Park: All Rankins Eco-Lodge
- Best Luxury Hotel: Tortuga Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
- Best Beachfront Hotel: Mawamba Lodge
- Best Property with a Hostel Vibe: Aracari Garden Hostel
- Best Riverfront Hotel: Tortuguero Adventures Guesthouse
Where to Stay in Tortuguero: Luxury Hotels
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
- Stay here: If you are looking for nature, luxury, and comfort, all in one place.
- Highlights: Private nature reserve, River views from all rooms, Wildlife sightings, On-site activities, Eco-friendly.
- Google Maps Location
Tucked in the plantation-style gardens, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens boasts enchanting views of the Tortuguero River. With 26 hectares of private reserve, Tortuga Lodge is an ideal place for watching wildlife and enjoying various outdoor activities and tours like twilight tours, coffee tours, turtle nesting tours, and cultural experiences. You can also enjoy water activities like kayaking, fishing, and canoe tours with a local guide.
All 29 rooms at the lodge feature a terrace with river views, air conditioning, a desk, and a safety deposit box. Outside, you will find a swimming pool, fishing poles, common sitting areas, and plenty of hammocks for relaxing amidst nature. An on-site restaurant serves fusion cuisine with a Caribbean flair. The nightly charge includes all three meals, and rubber boots, umbrellas & walking sticks for rainforest adventures.
Click here to check prices and availability at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens by Böëna.
Book Your Stay at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens by BöënaMawamba Lodge
- Stay here: If you are looking for a perfect blend of nature and comfort.
- Highlights: Floating restaurant, Beachfront, Ecofriendly, Wildlife sightings.
- Google Maps Location
Ideally positioned between the canals of Tortuguero and the Caribbean Sea, Mawamba Lodge is a beachfront property surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The lodge features rooms and bungalows with wooden decor. All rooms come with a ceiling fan, a safe, a desk, and a terrace with a hammock and a seating area.
There is a swimming pool, a bar & lounge, a floating hammock room, and a cafeteria for you to relax and unwind. The main restaurant offers a la carte service for breakfast and dinner. Moreover, there is a floating restaurant navigating the canals of Tortuguero. This restaurant has a capacity of 24 guests and has a kitchen area, a bar, and restrooms.
There is direct access to the beach and activities like canoe tours, turtle nesting tours, kayaking, and night walks can be booked at the reception.
Click here to check prices and availability at Mawamba Lodge.
Book Your Stay at Mawamba LodgeWhere to Stay in Tortuguero: Mid-range Hotels
Chinitas Eco Lodge
- Stay here: If you wish to stay away from town.
- Highlights: Private dock, River & lake views, Wildlife sightings.
- Google Maps Location
Located five kilometers from Tortuguero center, Chinitas Eco Lodge is an environment-friendly property in the small town of San Francisco de Tortuguero. There are 6 rooms at the property and each room features air conditioning, a safety deposit box, and a patio with a seating area and lake or river views.
A small riverfront restaurant (guests only) serves typical Costa Rican and Caribbean food. Also, the property has a garden, a private dock, and many common areas. The hotel staff can help you book tours and activities in the area.
Click here to check prices and availability at Chinitas Eco Lodge.
Book Your Stay at Chinitas Eco LodgeRelated Reading: Wildlife in Costa Rica
Tortuguero Adventures Guesthouse
- Stay here: If you are an admirer of mesmerizing sunsets!
- Highlights: River and mountain views, Private dock, Proximity to the national park.
- Google Maps Location
Set right on the Tortuguero River, Tortuguero Adventures Guesthouse offers air-conditioned rooms overlooking the canals. Each family room has a balcony with mountain and river views, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom.
There is a garden and a shared kitchen on the property. Additionally, the property has its own private dock and you can rent kayaks directly with them. The guesthouse is conveniently located at the gate of the Tortuguero National Park and is only 300 meters from the beach.
Most importantly, do not forget to enjoy mesmerizing sunsets while you are here.
We loved the cozy room atmosphere, the view from the balcony and the fact that you can book all your tours and activities with the tour booking wing of Tortuguero Adventures Guesthouse.
Click here to check prices and availability at Tortuguero Adventures Guesthouse.
Book Your Stay at Tortuguero Adventures Guesthouse
Budda Home
- Stay here: If you want to stay in the heart of the town with the convenience of an on-site restaurant.
- Highlights: Private kitchen, Proximity to town center, On-site restaurant.
- Google Maps Location
Located close to the town center, Buddha Home offers rooms and apartments with vibrant decor. Each unit at the property features air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee machine. All units boast a patio with river or garden views, and some units offer a fully equipped private kitchen and a living area.
Just across the street, there is a cafe by the same name, Budda Cafe. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and European cuisines, and delicious pizzas. We once celebrated Indranil’s birthday and enjoyed the riverside dining experience.
Tortuguero Beach is a 2-minute walk from Budda Home.
Click here to check prices and availability at Budda Home.
Book Your Stay at Budda Home
Tortuguero Casa Pelican
- Stay here: If you want to book tours and activities with one of the best in town.
- Highlights: Certified tour guide, Wildlife sightings, Proximity to beach.
- Google Maps Location
Casa Pelican is a small property a few steps from the beach. The guest house offers a picnic area, a sun terrace, wellness packages, and room service to the guests. Each room features air conditioning, a private bathroom, a safety deposit box, a mosquito net, and a terrace or a balcony with a seating area.
From the terrace, you can indulge in wildlife watching. The owner of the property is a certified tour guide and conducts tours in English, Spanish, and German. You can book tours like turtle nesting tours, canoe tours, cultural village walks, night hikes, kayak tours, and Caribbean cooking classes directly with him.
Click here to check prices and availability at Tortuguero Casa Pelican.
Book Your Stay at Tortuguero Casa PelicanWhere to Stay in Tortuguero: Budget Hotels
Cabinas Tortuguero Natural
- Stay here: If you want to stay in a decent hotel without breaking the bank.
- Highlights: Proximity to beach, Close to town center, On-site restaurant.
- Google Maps Location
Resting close to the turtle nesting site, Cabinas Tortuguero Natural is a pocket-friendly property close to the town center and the National Park. At the hotel, you will find a garden, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and an on-site restaurant.
The property features spacious rooms with colorful decor. All rooms offer 2 single beds & 1 double bed, a ceiling fan, a terrace with seating and garden views, a private bathroom, a ceiling fan, and a coffee machine. The hotel staff can happily arrange tours and activities for you.
Click here to check prices and availability at Cabinas Tortuguero Natural.
Book Your Stay at Cabinas Tortuguero NaturalCasa Marbella
- Stay here: If you want to stay in a budget-friendly riverfront property.
- Highlights: River views, Complimentary breakfast, Options for accessible rooms.
- Google Maps Location
Offering impressive views of the Tortuguero River, Casa Marbella is a cozy inn with triple and family rooms. Some rooms feature river views while some rooms are equipped with an air conditioner. Other room amenities include a dining area, a wardrobe, and an outdoor dining area. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.
A nice porch overlooks the river and is a perfect place to watch beautiful sunsets. Additionally, there are plenty of other common areas for soaking in nature.
Click here to check prices and availability at Casa Marbella.
Book Your Stay at Casa MarbellaRelated Reading: Wonderful waterfalls of Costa Rica
Aracari Garden Hostel
- Stay here: If you want to stay in a hostel setting and connect with fellow travelers.
- Highlights: Proximity to beach, Shared kitchen, Hostel setting.
- Google Maps Location
Situated close to the beach, Aracari Garden Hostel features 9 private rooms and 2 dormitories surrounded by an extensive garden. Each private room is furnished with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan, a wardrobe, and a terrace with seating and garden views. The dormitories have a shared bathroom and do not provide an air conditioner.
At the hostel, you will find a fully equipped shared kitchen, a tour office, and lots of common areas with seating, beds and hammocks. Other facilities include free coffee and tea, laundry service, and luggage storage service. The beach, town center, and the national park are within walking distance.
Click here to check prices and availability at Aracari Garden Hostel.
Book Your Stay at Aracari Garden HostelCasa Thirema Tortuguero
- Stay here: If you like to be close to the town and amenities.
- Highlights: Private kitchenette, Complimentary breakfast, Air-conditioned rooms.
- Google Maps Location
Located in the town center, Casa Thirema is well-appointed with 7 rooms in 2 buildings 40 meters from one another. The rooms are air-conditioned and are fitted with a private kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a dining area. Some rooms feature a patio with garden views while some provide a shared bathroom.
An American breakfast is included in the night charge. You can book tours and activities directly with the property.
Click here to check prices and availability at Casa Thirema Tortuguero.
Book Your Stay at Casa Thirema TortugueroAll Rankins Eco-Lodge
- Stay here: If you want to be in a tranquil environment.
- Highlights: Beachfront, Swimming pool, On-site restaurant, Private dock.
- Google Maps Location
All Rankins Eco-Lodge is a beachfront property situated within the Tortuguero National Park. A boat ride away from the main town of Tortuguero, the lodge offers peace and calmness amidst nature. The ocean is just a short walk through the garden and the other end of the property offers stunning river views.
The rooms here are complete with private bathroom, wardrobe, and patio with garden views. In addition to these features, some rooms also offer spa bath. There is an on-site riverfront restaurant serving Caribbean and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. The swimming pool, shared lounge, and common spaces in the garden with hammocks make for great relaxation options. Many tours and activities can be enjoyed at the property and around the area.
This is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Tortuguero.
Click here to check prices and availability at All Rankins Eco-Lodge.
Book Your Stay at All Rankins Eco-LodgeCabinas Tortuguero
- Stay here: If you are looking for a basic stay at a good price.
- Highlights: Budget-friendly, Private kitchenette, On-site garden, Proximity to National Park.
- Google Maps Location
Featuring lush green surroundings, Cabinas Tortuguero offers basic rooms and an 8-bed dormitory with colorful decor. The private rooms are fitted with air-conditioner, private bathroom, private kitchenette, and balcony or patio with hammocks and garden views. Some dormitories and private rooms do not offer a private bathroom and air-conditioner. Breakfast can be included for an extra charge.
The property is close to the national park entrance, restaurants, supermarkets, and other amenities. Numerous tours and activities can be arranged by the hotel staff.
Click here to check prices and availability at Cabinas Tortuguero.
Book Your Stay at Cabinas Tortuguero
This article has been written by Astha Garg and edited by Paradise Catchers, based on their own experiences of traveling and staying in and around Tortuguero. Astha is a freelance writer who lives in Costa Rica and loves traveling.
Plan your Costa Rica trip:
- Things to do in Costa Rica
- Best Time to Visit Costa Rica – with Infographics
- Costa Rica Packing List – with FREE checklist
- 10 Days in Costa Rica – Itinerary from Liberia Airport
- 2 Weeks in Costa Rica – Itinerary from San Jose Airport
Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
- Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
- Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo. They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.
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